Band's List Black Metal Helvellyn Hordes of White Light

In support of what little local scene there is around my neck of the woods (if I’m wrong, please feel free to contact me, Cumbrian metal bands), I got myself a copy of the new Helvellyn demo, ‘Hordes of White Light’. It’s a four track, black metal demo that has a very British feel to it. British black metal used to be Venom, then Cradle of Filth, but recently we’ve had brilliant additions to the canon from the likes of Winterfylleth, A Forest of Stars and Fen. Helvellyn could be another one to add to this scene, if they follow up on the promise shown here.

The title track starts us off with a very Drudkh style riff, weaving tremelo harmonies layered in thick, icy atmosphere. The drumming isn’t too thin and tinny, like some black metal demos can be, and underpins the riffing with a relentless rhythm. ‘In the Shadows’ then kicks in with a more crust punk style, akin to newer Darkthrone. It’s pretty straight for the jugular style black metal, scaling back atmospherics for a single minded assault. Variety can be important in black metal records; too often bands become stale by the thrid of fourth track because their style doesn’t evolve. Helvellyn don’t have that issue so far, but the acid test is when a full album comes out.

The two part ‘Sacramental Violations’ completes the demo, part one featuring a particularly nice chunky riff around the minute mark that slays. I personally prefer black metal with a bit of heft in the riffs, and that’s the type of riff that I’m looking for. Part two revels in its more moderate pacing and its Celtic Frost grunts at the start. Another plus for me is the vocals, which stay at a lower pitched howl rather than a piercing shriek. It makes them more understandable, and adds a bit of meat to the whole presentation.

Helvellyn is a band to look out for. They’re definitely one of my favourite discoveries this year, and hopefully we’ll get a full length out of them soon. Kvlt. As. Fvck!